Oral Care Device

ABSTRACT

An oral care device may include: a body including a head; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first electrode on the head; a second electrode on the head and spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is a sacrificial electrode; a power source; and a controller configured to operably couple the power source to the first and second electrodes to create an electric potential between the first and second electrodes so that ions are released from the sacrificial electrode during a brushing session; wherein the controller is configured to change a magnitude of the electric potential the brushing session ends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/683,167, filed on Jun. 11, 2019, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Oral care devices are known which provide oral health benefits throughthe release of ions from sacrificial electrodes. Some types ofbeneficial ions, however, may be poor tasting to users during oral caresessions. There is therefore a need for improvements to such oral caredevices, and the processes by which they operate, in order to helpreduce negative taste sensations a user might experience when thebeneficial ions are introduced into their oral care routine.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are directedto an oral care device that includes one or more sacrificial electrodesfor purposes of introducing beneficial ions into the oral cavity whenthe oral care device is used. Particularly, the oral care deviceincludes a controller which controls an electric potential between twoelectrodes, at least one of which is a sacrificial electrode, in orderto control the release rate of ions during the brushing session andreduce negative tastes sensations that may be experienced by the user.The release rate of the ions may be highest early in the brushingsession, when the user has the most fluid and toothpaste in their mouthto mask the taste of the ions and decreasing thereafter. The releaserate of the ions may be controlled by decreasing the electric potentialbetween the electrodes during the brushing session. Alternatively, therelease rate may be highest at the end of the brushing session to leaveresidual ions in the mouth to help improve oral health. In still otheralternatives, the release rate may be changed in any manner during thebrushing session. The method of control advantageously leads tocontrolling the release rate of the ions during the brushing session sothat the release rate changes during the brushing session.

In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care device which includes:a body including a head; a plurality of teeth cleaning elementsextending from the head; a first electrode on the head; a secondelectrode on the head and spaced apart from the first electrode, whereinat least one of the first and second electrodes is a sacrificialelectrode; a power source; and a controller configured to operablycouple the power source to the first and second electrodes to create anelectric potential between the first and second electrodes so that ionsare released from the sacrificial electrode during a brushing session;wherein the controller is configured to change a magnitude of theelectric potential before the brushing session ends.

In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care method whichincludes: generating an electric potential between a first electrode anda second electrode on a head of an oral care device and positionedspaced apart from each other, wherein at least one of the first andsecond electrodes is a sacrificial electrode, the electric potentialresulting in ions being released from the sacrificial electrode during abrushing session; and changing a magnitude of the electric potentialbefore the brushing session ends.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown in the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oral care device including at leastone sacrificial electrode in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the oral care device takenalong the section line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a control circuit for at least onesacrificial electrode in an oral care device.

FIG. 4A is a graphical representation of a first control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, with one ofthe electrodes operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 4B is a graphical representation of a second control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, with one ofthe electrodes operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 4C is a graphical representation of a third control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, with one ofthe electrodes operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 4D is a graphical representation of a fourth control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, with one ofthe electrodes operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 5A is a graphical representation of a fifth control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, theelectrodes alternately operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 5B is a graphical representation of a sixth control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, theelectrodes alternately operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 5C is a graphical representation of a seventh control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, theelectrodes alternately operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 5D is a graphical representation of an eighth control function forcontrolling the electric potential between two electrodes, theelectrodes alternately operating as a sacrificial electrode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operating process for an oral caredevice including at least one sacrificial electrode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “left,” “right,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivativesthereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenienceof description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructedor operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such preferred embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features thatmay exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Features of the present invention may be implemented in software,hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof. The programmable processesdescribed herein are not limited to any particular embodiment, and maybe implemented in an operating system, application program, foregroundor background processes, driver, or any combination thereof.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an oral caredevice as a toothbrush 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.The toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102, a head 104 disposed at thedistal end of the handle 102, and a neck portion 106 disposed betweenthe handle 102 and the head 104. The handle 102 has a generally elongateshape, along a longitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, one ormore of the handle 102, the head 104, and/or the neck 106 may havedifferent shapes, sizes, orientations, and/or the like. The invention isnot to be limited by the size and/or shape of any portion of thetoothbrush 100 unless otherwise indicated in the claims. Additionalfeatures may also be incorporated into the toothbrush or disposed on thetoothbrush. In other embodiments, the oral care device may be atoothbrush which includes a head that detaches from the handle, suchthat the head is replaceable with another head. In still otherembodiments, the oral care device may be any other type of oral careimplement.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the head 106 of the toothbrush100 also includes a plurality of teeth cleaning elements 108 extend froma support plate 110. As used herein, the term “teeth cleaning elements”includes any type of structure that is commonly used for or is suitablefor use in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, toothpolishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulating, etc.) by makingintimate contact with portions of the teeth and/or gums. Such teethcleaning elements include but are not limited to tufts of bristles thatcan be formed to have a number of different shapes, sizes, and relativeconfigurations, massage elements, and elastomeric cleaning members thatcan be formed to have a number of different shapes and sizes, or acombination of both tufts of bristles and elastomeric cleaning members.The teeth cleaning elements 108 may be arranged on the support plate 110in many configurations.

In FIG. 1, the teeth cleaning elements 108 include bristles, which maybe formed as bristle tufts. The tufts may be formed with bristles of thesame or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiralbristles, rubber bristles, etc.). Moreover, while the teeth cleaningelements 108 may be arranged so that they are generally perpendicular tothe top surface 112 of the support plate 110, some or all of the toothcleaning elements may be angled with respect to the top surface 112and/or with respect to each other. When the teeth cleaning elements 108includes bristle tufts, it is thereby possible to select the combinationof bristle configurations, bristle materials, and/or bristleorientations to achieve specific intended results and operationalcharacteristics, thus maximizing and enhancing cleaning, toothpolishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulation, and the like.

The teeth cleaning elements 108 may be attached to the support plate 110by any method, conventional or otherwise. In certain embodiments, thesupport plate 110 may include a plurality of holes formed there through,and the teeth cleaning elements 108 may be mounted to the support plate110 within the holes. This type of technique for mounting the teethcleaning elements 108 to the support plate 110 is generally known asanchor free tufting (AFT). In AFT a plate (often referred to as a headplate) or membrane is created and the teeth cleaning elements (such asbristles, elastomeric elements, and combinations thereof) are positionedinto the head plate so as to extend through the holes of the head plate.The free ends of the teeth cleaning elements on one side of the headplate perform the cleaning function. The ends of the teeth cleaningelements on the other side of the head plate are melted together by heatto be anchored in place. As the teeth cleaning elements are meltedtogether, a melt matte is formed, which is a layer of plastic formedfrom the collective ends of the teeth cleaning elements that connectsthe teeth cleaning elements to one another on one side of the head plateand prevents the teeth cleaning elements from being pulled through thetuft holes.

In example shown, after the teeth cleaning elements 108 are secured tothe support plate 110, the support plate 110 is secured to the head 104.Ultrasonic welding is one technique that may be used to secure thesupport plate 110 to the head 104, although other techniques may also beused. When the support plate 110 is coupled to the head 104, the meltmatte is located between a lower surface of the support plate 110 and afloor of a basin or cavity of the head 104 in which the support plate110 is disposed. The melt matte, which is coupled directly to and infact forms a part of the teeth cleaning elements 108, prevents the teethcleaning elements 108 from being pulled through the holes in the supportplate 110, thus ensuring that the teeth cleaning elements 108 remainattached to the support plate 110 during use of the oral care device100.

In other embodiments, the teeth cleaning elements 108 may be connectedto the support plate 110 or a membrane later incorporated using atechnique known in the art as AMR. Generally speaking, in thistechnique, a head plate is provided and the bristles are inserted intoholes in the head plate so that free/cleaning ends of the bristlesextend from the front surface of the head plate and bottom ends of thebristles are adjacent to the rear surface of the head plate. After thebristles are inserted into the holes in the head plate, the bottom endsof the bristles are melted together by applying heat thereto, therebyforming a melt matte at the rear surface of the head plate. The meltmatte is a thin layer of plastic that is formed by melting the bottomends of the bristles so that the bottom ends of the bristles transitioninto a liquid, at which point the liquid of the bottom ends of thebristles combine together into a single layer of liquid plastic that atleast partially covers the rear surface of the head plate. After theheat is no longer applied, the melted bottom ends of the bristlessolidify/harden to form the melt matte/thin layer of plastic. In someconventional applications, after formation of the melt matte, a tissuecleaner is injection molded onto the rear surface of the head plate,thereby trapping the melt matte between the tissue cleaner and the rearsurface of the head plate. Other structures may be coupled to the rearsurface of the head plate to trap the melt matte between the rearsurface of the head plate and such structure without the structurenecessarily being a tissue cleaner. For example, a structure coveringthe melt matte may be a plastic material that is used to form a smoothrear surface of the head, or the like. Alternatively, the structure canbe molded onto the rear surface of the head plate or snap-fit (or othermechanical coupling) to the rear surface of the head plate as desired.

Of course, techniques other than AFT and AMR can be used for mountingteeth cleaning elements 108 to the support plate 110, such as widelyknown and used stapling/anchoring techniques or the like. In suchembodiments the teeth cleaning elements 108 may be coupled directly tothe support plate 110. Furthermore, in a modified version of the AFTprocess discussed above, the support plate 110 may be formed bypositioning the teeth cleaning elements 108 within a mold, and thenmolding the support plate 110 around the teeth cleaning elements 108 viaan injection molding process.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, various combinations of stapled, IMT,AMR, or AFT cleaning elements may be used. Alternatively, the teethcleaning elements 108 could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections byextending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the baseof the teeth cleaning elements 108 is mounted within or below the tuftblock. In still other embodiments, likely in which the tooth cleaningelements are not bristles, the teeth cleaning elements 108 may be moldedintegrally with the support plate 110.

The head 104 also includes a plurality of apertures 114 which aredisposed through a sidewall 116 of the head 104 and provide a channel orpassageway through the sidewall 116. Such a channel may allow for fluidcommunication between the inner cavity of the head 104 of the toothbrush100 and the environment external to the head 104. The cavity, which maybe bounded by the support plate 110, the sidewall 104 and a base 118, isdiscussed in more detail below. In certain embodiments, the head 104 maybe constructed without the cavity.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded, cross-section of the toothbrush 100. In thisview, the cavity 202 formed by the head 104 is shown. The cavity 202 isa basin or void defined by the sidewall 116 that extends upwardly fromthe base 118 of the head 104. A first electrode 204 and a secondelectrode 206 are placed on the head 104 within the cavity 202 andspaced apart from each other. At least one of the first electrode 204and the second electrode 206 is a sacrificial electrode. As is detailedfurther below, when only one of the first electrode 204 or the secondelectrode 206 is a sacrificial electrode, the sacrificial electrode isoperated as an anode and the non-sacrificial electrode is operated as acathode; when both of the first electrode 204 and the second electrode206 are sacrificial electrodes, one is operated as an anode while theother is operates as a cathode, with the polarity of the electricpotential between the first and second electrodes 204, 206 determiningthe operational state of each.

The support plate 110 is positioned relative to the head 104 to coverthe cavity 202, thereby enclosing the electrodes 204, 206 in the cavity202. In certain embodiments, the support plate 110 may be fixed at adistal end of the sidewall 116, e.g., by an adhesive, welding, or othermechanical means. In embodiments in which the head 104 does not includethe cavity 202, the first and second electrodes 204, 206 may be placedon any surface of the head 104, with the first and second electrodes204, 206 still positioned spaced apart from each other. In certain otherembodiments, one or both of the first and second sacrificial electrodes204, 206 may be placed on the neck portion 106 of the toothbrush 100.The invention is not to be limited by the placement of either of thefirst and second sacrificial electrodes 204, 206, whether on the head104 or on the neck portion 106 of the toothbrush 100, unless otherwiseexpressly stated in the claims.

The electrodes 204, 206 may be any known shape or configuration. Asshown, the electrodes 204, 206 are formed as electrical coils, andinclude a number of turns of a metallic wire wound about separate cores208. The cores 208 may be formed integrally with the base or may beformed separately and subsequently fixed to the base. In otherembodiments, the cores 208 may not be present at all. In otherembodiments, the electrodes 204, 206 may be formed as metal plates orother spaced-apart metal fixtures. Regardless of their shape orconfiguration, in certain embodiments the electrodes 204, 206 may beformed of 90% or more of the metal making up the electrode.

As indicated, at least one of the electrodes 204, 206 is a sacrificialelectrode, in that at least one of the electrodes 204, 206 includes asacrificial metal. When an electric potential (i.e., a voltagedifference) of appropriate polarity is generated between the first andsecond electrodes 204, 206, the sacrificial electrode will give up ions,e.g., by oxidizing. In certain embodiments, at least one of theelectrodes 204, 206 includes zinc or a zinc alloy, and the presence ofan electric potential oxidizes the zinc to release Zn2+. Zinc ions areconventionally known to provide oral health benefits including, e.g.,anti-bacterial benefits. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, zinc ions aregiven off in the cavity 202 of the head 104 of the toothbrush 100, andonce released from one or both of the electrodes 204, 206 to the cavity202, the beneficial zinc ions enter the oral cavity via the apertures114. In certain embodiments, one or both of the electrodes 204, 206 maybe formed of materials other than zinc and zinc alloys.

In certain embodiments in which both the first and second electrodes204, 206 are a sacrificial electrode, each electrode 204, 206 mayinclude a different sacrificial metal. In certain embodiments, one orboth of the electrodes 204, 206 may be formed of different metals thatcan be oxidized to provide ions that give alternative oral benefits. Forexample, Tin ions, i.e., Sn2+ and Sn4+, have known oral health benefits,such that one or both of the electrodes 204, 206 could include Tin. Incertain other embodiments, the oxidation of iron and/or manganese candrive the formation of hydroxide radicals from hydrogen peroxide, e.g.,via the fenton reaction, which may provide other benefits in the oralcavity, such that one or both of the electrodes 204, 206 could includeiron or manganese.

In the embodiment shown, the apertures 114 also allow fluids, e.g.,saliva and water, in the external environment to enter the cavity 202.Once in the cavity 202, the fluids may act as an electrolyte to promotethe release of the ions from at least one of the electrodes 204, 206upon generation of an electric potential therebetween.

Conductive leads 210 connect each of the electrodes 204, 206 to thecontrol circuit 216, which is in turn operably coupled to a power source212, shown as a pair of batteries disposed in the handle 102. A switch220 controls providing power from the power source 212 to the controlcircuit 216. The conductive leads 210 extend from the electrodes 204,206 through the neck 106 and into the handle 102 via a passageway orchannel 214 connected to the cavity 202 of the head 104. The conductiveleads 210 electrically couple to the control circuit 216, which controlsthe voltage applied from the power source 212 to the electrodes 204,206.

In certain embodiments, the power source 212 may be external to thetoothbrush 100. In still other embodiments, the power source 212 berechargeable batteries. In still other embodiments, the power source 212may be any other type of power storage or power-providing electricitysource which also provides a ground or negative terminal.

The control circuit 216 generates an electric potential between the twoelectrodes 204, 206 by maintaining each electrode 204, 206 at adifferent voltage. By doing so, one of the two electrodes 204, 206serves as an effective anode, and the other serves as an effectivecathode. In embodiments in which only one of the electrodes 204, 206 isa sacrificial electrode, the electric potential will always have thesame polarity. In embodiments in which both the electrodes 204, 206 area sacrificial electrode, then the electric potential may be switchedbetween a positive polarity and a negative polarity to control which oneof the two electrodes 204, 206 is operated as the anode. Although bothelectrodes 204, 206 are formed as sacrificial electrodes, such that bothare capable of releasing ions under certain conditions, only the one ofthe electrodes 204, 206 operating as the anode releases ions—the otherof the electrodes 204, 206 operating as the cathode does not releaseions. In the toothbrush 100 shown, the electric potential is createdbetween the electrodes 204, 206 by the control circuit 216 electricallycoupling one of the electrodes 204, 206 to the positive terminal of thepower source 212 and electrically coupling the other of the electrodes204, 206 to the negative terminal of the power source 212.

Although one pair of electrodes is illustrated in FIG. 2, additionalpairs of electrodes may also be present. For example, a first pair ofsacrificial electrodes may be formed using zinc as the sacrificialmetal, and a second pair of sacrificial electrodes may be formed usingiron as the sacrificial metal. In such embodiments, the control circuit216 may be used to create an electric potential between both pairs ofelectrodes, either simultaneously for both pair of sacrificialelectrodes, or alternatively, which each pair having an electricpotential between them while the other pair is decoupled from the powersource 212. In other embodiments, multiple pairs of sacrificialelectrodes may be included, with all the sacrificial electrodes beingformed of the same sacrificial metal, such that the increased numberenables an increased release rate of ions.

FIG. 3 illustrates the control circuit 216 of the toothbrush 100. Thecontrol circuit 216 includes a controller 302, an oscillator 306, and aswitch 310. The control circuit 216 is operably coupled to the powersource 304 and to the two electrodes 308, identified as E1 and E2, atleast one of which is a sacrificial electrode. The controller 302 may bea programmable device which implements the operational features of theoral care device, as described herein, in software, hardware, firmware,or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the controller 302 maybe implemented as an electronic sub-circuit which is assembled toperform the operational features of the oral care device as describedherein.

The switch 310 operably couples the controller 302 and the oscillator306 the power source 304. When the switch 310 is in the open position,power is not provided to the controller 302 or the oscillator 306, andthe controller 302 is in the OFF state. When the switch is in the closedposition, power is provided to both the controller 302 and theoscillator 306, and the controller 302 is in the ON state. When theoscillator 306 is powered, the oscillator 306 provides a clock signal tothe controller 302. In certain embodiments, the oscillator 306 is alinear oscillator that produces a sinusoidal output. The output of theoscillator 306 may take any periodic waveform having a constant period,such that the constant period may be used by the controller 302 tomeasure time. As described below, the controller 302 may use the clocksignal as a timer to determine when to change the magnitude of theelectric potential. In embodiments with two sacrificial electrodes, thecontroller 302 may use the clock signal as a timer to determine when toperform polarity switching for the electric potential between theelectrodes 308. In certain embodiments, the oscillator 306 may beomitted from the control circuit 216. In certain other embodiments, theoscillator 306 may be integrated as part of the controller 302.

When the controller 302 is in the ON state, the controller 302electrically couples one of the electrodes 308 to the positive terminalof the power source 304 and the other of the electrodes 308 to thenegative terminal of the power source 304. In embodiments in which onlyone of the electrodes 308 is a sacrificial electrode, the sacrificialelectrode is electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the powersource 304. In embodiments in which both of the electrodes 308 aresacrificial electrodes, either one is initially electrically coupled tothe negative terminal of the power source 304. By coupling theelectrodes 308 to the power source 304 in this manner, an electricpotential is generated between the electrodes 308. The electricpotential generated between the electrodes 308 may be characterized asthe combination of a magnitude, which is representative of the absolutevalue of the voltage potential between the electrodes 308, and positivepolarity or negative polarity, which is representative of the directionof current flow between the electrodes 308. When the electric potentialbetween the electrodes 308 has a positive polarity, one of theelectrodes 308 serves as the anode and the other serves as the cathode,and when the electric potential has a negative polarity, the electrodes308 reverse their functions as cathode and anode. Only the electrode 308that is a sacrificial electrode and operating as the anode releasesions. For purposes of convenience for this description, an electricpotential with a positive polarity is generated by the control circuit216 of FIG. 3 when the electrode E1 is electrically coupled to thepositive terminal of the power source 304 and the electrode E2 iselectrically coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 304.Likewise, an electric potential with a negative polarity is generated bythe control circuit of FIG. 3 when the electrode E1 is electricallycoupled to the negative terminal of the power source 304 and theelectrode E2 is electrically coupled to the positive terminal of thepower source 304.

When the controller 302 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state,the controller 302 is configured to control the electric potentialbetween the electrodes in accordance with a control function whichcauses the magnitude of the electric potential to change during thebrushing session. The change may occur at any time before the brushingsession ends, and the change is such that the magnitude of the electricpotential increases, decreases, or increases and decreases (in anycombination and number) before the brushing session ends. At the end ofthe brushing session, the magnitude of the electric potential changesone final time when the electrodes 308 are electrically decoupled fromthe power source 304 (i.e., the OFF state of the controller 302). Incertain embodiments, the change in the magnitude of the electricpotential may include a linear change. In certain other embodiments, thechange in the magnitude of the electric potential may include a changein accordance with a polynomial function. In still other embodiments,the change in the magnitude of the electric potential may include achange in a plurality of discrete steps. In yet other embodiments, thechange in the magnitude of the electric potential may include acombination of any two or more of the aforementioned methods of changingthe magnitude of the electric potential. In certain embodiments, thetime period that the controller is in the ON state is no greater thanthe time period of the brushing session, such that the controller 302transitions to the OFF state when the user is done brushing. In certainother embodiments, the time period that the controller is in the ONstate is no greater than the user brushing period. In certainembodiments, the time period that the controller is in the ON state isless than half of the user brushing period.

In certain embodiments, the brushing session may be a predetermined timeperiod that is set before the toothbrush is used by the user. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the brushing session may be set to atime period of two minutes, which is the brushing session time that isgenerally recommended by oral health care professionals when practicinggood oral hygiene. In certain other embodiments, the brushing sessionmay be set to a time period of less than the generally recommendedbushing session time of two minutes. In such embodiments, the brushingsession may be set to any time period in the range of 1 second to twominutes, as predetermined before the toothbrush is used by the user. Byway of example, the brushing session may be set to a time period in therange of 1 second to two minutes based on the experience and knowledgeof a designer, engineer, or the like at the time of manufacture.

The user brushing period, as used herein, is any time period up to andincluding the time period of the brushing session. In certainembodiments, the user brushing period may be a predetermined time periodthat is set before the toothbrush is used by the user. For example,where the brushing session is set to a time period of two minutes, theuser brushing period may likewise be set to a time period of twominutes. By way of another example, where the brushing session is set toa time period of less than two minutes, the user brushing period may beset to the same time period or a time period that is less than thebrushing session. In certain embodiments, the user brushing period maybe set to a time period based on the experience and knowledge of adesigner, engineer, or the like at the time of manufacture. In certainother embodiments, the user brushing period may be set to a time periodbased on a collection of sample data. In such embodiments, the userbrushing period may be set to the average brushing period as determinedby the collected sample data.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate non-limiting examples of control functions inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed as a function of time when one of the electrodes 308 is asacrificial electrode. FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate non-limiting examples ofcontrol functions in which the magnitude of the electric potentialbetween the electrodes 308 is changed as a function of time when both ofthe electrodes 308 formed as sacrificial electrodes and may bealternately operated as the anode. In each of these figures, themagnitude is shown on the vertical axis and time is shown on thehorizontal axis. In FIGS. 4A-4D, the electric potential always has thesame polarity, so only a single polarity of the magnitude is shown. InFIGS. 5A-5D, the electric potential may have a positive polarity, whichis represented by magnitudes above the horizontal axis, or a negativepolarity, which is represented by magnitudes below the horizontal axis.And, although the control functions in FIGS. 5A-5D all begin with apositive polarity, in certain embodiments the control functions inembodiments with more than one sacrificial electrode may begin with anegative polarity. These control function examples are intended asexamples only and are not intended to be limiting of the inventionunless otherwise expressly stated in the claims.

FIG. 4A illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 400 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed linearly over time. The control function 400 begins at timet₀, when the controller 302 transitions to the ON state, and includes aconstant magnitude section 402. During the period between t₁ and t₂, thecontrol function 400 includes a linearly changing section 404. Incertain embodiments, this linearly changing section 404 may change themagnitude by increasing the magnitude or by any combination ofincreasing and decreasing the magnitude. At time t₂, the controller 302transitions to the OFF state, after which the magnitude of the electricpotential goes to zero. The time period between t₀ and t₂ is no greaterthan the brushing session. In certain embodiments, the time periodbetween t₀ and t₂ is no greater than the user brushing period, and itmay be less than half of the user brushing period. Optionally for thiscontrol function 400, the constant magnitude section 402 may be omittedor moved to a different time within the control function 400, oradditional constant magnitude sections and/or magnitude changingsections may be included.

FIG. 4B illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 420 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed in accordance with a polynomial function. The controlfunction 420 begins at time t₀, when the controller 302 transitions tothe ON state, and includes a constant magnitude section 422. During theperiod between t₁ and t₂, the control function 420 includes a curvedsection 404 which curves according to a polynomial function and servesto decrease the magnitude in this example. The nature and curvature ofthe polynomial function, and whether the polynomial function increases,decreases, or any combination increases and decreases the magnitude, isnot to be limiting of the invention unless otherwise expressly stated inthe claims. At time t₂, the controller 302 transitions to the OFF state,after which the magnitude of the electric potential goes to zero. Thetime period between t₀ and t₂ is no greater than the brushing session.In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₂ is no greaterthan the user brushing period, and it may be less than half of the userbrushing period. Optionally for this control function 420, the constantmagnitude section 422 may be omitted or moved to a different time withinthe control function 420, or additional constant magnitude sectionsand/or magnitude changing sections may be included.

FIG. 4C illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 440 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed in a plurality of discrete steps. The control function 440begins at time t₀, when the controller 302 transitions to the ON state,and includes a first constant magnitude section 442. Between the time t₁and t₂, the control function 440 includes a second constant magnitudesection 444, and this second constant magnitude section 444 is at amagnitude that is less than the magnitude of the first constantmagnitude section 442. Between the time t₂ and t₃, the control function440 includes a third constant magnitude section 446, and this thirdconstant magnitude section 446 is at a magnitude that is less than themagnitude of the second constant magnitude section 444. At time t₃, thecontroller 302 transitions to the OFF state, after which the magnitudeof the electric potential goes to zero. Although the magnitude sections442, 444, 446 are shown in a series of decreasing magnitude steps, incertain embodiments the step between any two or more of the magnitudesections may serve to increase the magnitude between the respectivesections. The time period between t₀ and t₃ is no greater than thebrushing session. In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ andt₃ is no greater than the user brushing period, and it may be less thanhalf of the user brushing period. Optionally for this control function440, any of the constant magnitude sections may be omitted or moved todifferent times within the control function 440, or additional constantmagnitude sections and/or magnitude changing sections may be included.

FIG. 4D illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 450 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed by both increasing and decreasing during the brushingsession. The control function 450 begins at time t₀, when the controller302 transitions to the ON state, and includes a first constant magnitudesection 452. Between the time t₁ and t₂, the control function 450includes a first magnitude changing section 454, and this firstmagnitude changing section 454 linearly increases the magnitude. Betweenthe time t₂ and t₃, the control function 450 includes a second constantmagnitude section 456, and this second constant magnitude section 456 isat a magnitude that is greater than the magnitude of the first constantmagnitude section 452. Between the time t₃ and t₄, the control function450 includes a second magnitude changing section 458, and this secondmagnitude changing section 458 linearly decreases the magnitude in thisexample. At time t₄, the controller 302 transitions to the OFF state,after which the magnitude of the electric potential goes to zero.Although the magnitude increasing section 454 and the magnitudedecreasing section 458 are shown as linearly increasing and decreasingthe magnitude, respectively, in certain embodiments the increasing anddecreasing may be achieved by application of a polynomial function. Thetime period between t₀ and t₄ is no greater than the brushing session.In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₄ is no greaterthan the user brushing period, and it may be less than half of the userbrushing period. Optionally for this control function 450, any of theconstant magnitude sections or the magnitude changing sections may beomitted or moved to different times within the control function 450, oradditional constant magnitude sections and/or magnitude changingsections may be included.

FIG. 5A illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 460 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed linearly over time while the electric potential is switchedbetween the positive polarity and the negative polarity. The controlfunction 460 begins at time t₀, when the controller 302 transitions tothe ON state, and includes a first constant magnitude section 462 havinga positive polarity. During the period between t₁ and t₂, the controlfunction 460 includes a second constant magnitude section 464 having anegative polarity, and this second constant magnitude section 464 is ata magnitude that is the same as the magnitude of the first constantmagnitude section 462. During the period between t₂ and t₃, the controlfunction 460 includes a first linearly changing section 466 having apositive polarity, and in this linearly changing section 466 themagnitude is decreasing. During the period between t₃ and t₄, thecontrol function 460 includes a second linearly changing section 468having a negative polarity, and in this linearly changing section 468the magnitude is decreasing. In certain embodiments, these linearlychanging sections 466, 468 may change the magnitude by increasing themagnitude or by any combination of increasing and decreasing themagnitude. At time t₄, the controller 302 transitions to the OFF state,after which the magnitude of the electric potential goes to zero. Thetime period between t₀ and t₄ is no greater than the brushing session.In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₄ is no greaterthan the user brushing period, and it may be less than half of the userbrushing period. Optionally for this control function 460, the constantmagnitude sections 462, 464 may be omitted or moved to different timeswithin the control function 460, or additional constant magnitudesections and/or magnitude changing sections may be included.

FIG. 5B illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 480 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed according to a polynomial function over time while theelectric potential is switched between the positive polarity and thenegative polarity. The control function 480 begins at time t₀, when thecontroller 302 transitions to the ON state, and includes a firstconstant magnitude section 482 having a positive polarity. During theperiod between t₁ and t₂, the control function 480 includes a secondconstant magnitude section 484 having a negative polarity, and thissecond constant magnitude section 484 is at a magnitude that is the sameas the magnitude of the first constant magnitude section 482. During theperiod between t₂ and t₃, the control function 480 includes a firstcurved section 486 which curves according to a polynomial function, hasa positive polarity, and serves to decrease the magnitude in thisexample. During the period between t₃ and t₄, the control function 480includes a second curved section 488 which curves according to apolynomial function, has a negative polarity, and serves to decrease themagnitude in this example. The nature and curvature of the polynomialfunctions 486, 488, and whether each polynomial function increases,decreases, or any combination increases and decreases the magnitude, isnot to be limiting of the invention unless otherwise expressly stated inthe claims. At time t₄, the controller 302 transitions to the OFF state,after which the magnitude of the electric potential goes to zero. Thetime period between t₀ and t₄ is no greater than the brushing session.In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₄ is no greaterthan the user brushing period, and it may be less than half of the userbrushing period. Optionally for this control function 480, the constantmagnitude sections 482, 484 may be omitted or moved to different timeswithin the control function 480, or additional constant magnitudesections and/or magnitude changing sections may be included.

FIG. 5C illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 500 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed in discrete steps over time while the electric potential isswitched between the positive polarity and the negative polarity. Thecontrol function 500 begins at time t₀, when the controller 302transitions to the ON state, and includes a first constant magnitudesection 502 having a positive polarity. During the period between t₁ andt₂, the control function 500 includes a second constant magnitudesection 504 having a negative polarity, and this second constantmagnitude section 504 is at a magnitude that is less than the magnitudeof the first constant magnitude section 502. During the period betweent₂ and t₃, the control function 500 includes a third constant magnitudesection 506 having a positive polarity, and this third constantmagnitude section 506 is at a magnitude that is less than the magnitudeof the second constant magnitude section 504. During the period betweent₃ and t₄, the control function 500 includes a fourth constant magnitudesection 508 having a negative polarity, and this fourth constantmagnitude section 508 is at a magnitude that is less than the magnitudeof the third constant magnitude section 506. During the period betweent₄ and t₅, the control function 500 includes a fifth constant magnitudesection 510 having a positive polarity, and this fifth constantmagnitude section 510 is at a magnitude that is less than the magnitudeof the fourth constant magnitude section 508. During the period betweent₅ and t₆, the control function 500 includes a sixth constant magnitudesection 512 having a negative polarity, and this sixth constantmagnitude section 512 is at a magnitude that is less than the magnitudeof the fifth constant magnitude section 510. At time t₆, the controller302 transitions to the OFF state, after which the magnitude of theelectric potential goes to zero. Although the magnitude is shown in thisexample in a series of decreasing magnitude steps, in certainembodiments the step between any two or more of the magnitude sectionsmay serve to increase the magnitude between the respective sections. Thetime period between t₀ and t₆ is no greater than the brushing session.In certain embodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₆ is no greaterthan the user brushing period, and it may be less than half of the userbrushing period. Optionally for this control function 500, any of theconstant magnitude sections may be omitted or moved to different timeswithin the control function 500, or additional constant magnitudesections and/or magnitude changing may be included.

FIG. 5D illustrates a non-limiting example of a control function 520 inwhich the magnitude of the electric potential between the electrodes 308is changed by both increasing and decreasing during the brushingsession. The control function 520 begins at time t₀, when the controller302 transitions to the ON state, and includes a first constant magnitudesection 522 having a positive polarity. During the period between t₁ andt₂, the control function 520 includes a second constant magnitudesection 524 having a negative polarity. During the period between t₂ andt₃, the control function 520 includes a first magnitude changing section526, and this first magnitude changing section 526 linearly increasesthe magnitude. During the period between t₃ and t₄, the control function520 includes a second magnitude changing section 528 having a negativepolarity, and this second magnitude changing section 528 linearlyincreases the magnitude. During the period between t₄ and t₅, thecontrol function 520 includes a third constant magnitude section 530having a positive polarity, and this third constant magnitude section530 is at a magnitude that is greater than the magnitude of the firstconstant magnitude section 522. During the period between t₅ and t₆, thecontrol function 520 includes a fourth constant magnitude section 532having a negative polarity, and this fourth constant magnitude section532 is at a magnitude that is greater than the magnitude of the secondconstant magnitude section 524. During the period between t₆ and t₇, thecontrol function 520 includes a third magnitude changing section 534,and this third magnitude changing section 534 linearly decreases themagnitude in this example. During the period between t₇ and t₈, thecontrol function 520 includes a fourth magnitude changing section 536having a negative polarity, and this fourth magnitude changing section536 linearly decreases the magnitude in this example. At time t₈, thecontroller 302 transitions to the OFF state, after which the magnitudeof the electric potential goes to zero. Although the magnitudeincreasing sections 526, 528 and the magnitude decreasing sections 534,536 are shown as linearly increasing and decreasing the magnitude,respectively, in certain embodiments the increasing and decreasing maybe achieved by application of a polynomial function. The time periodbetween t₀ and t₈ is no greater than the brushing session. In certainembodiments, the time period between t₀ and t₈ is no greater than theuser brushing period, and it may be less than half of the user brushingperiod. Optionally for this control function 520, any of the constantmagnitude sections or the magnitude changing sections may be omitted ormoved to different times within the control function 520, or additionalconstant magnitude sections and/or magnitude changing may be included.

As indicated above, features of any two or more of the aforementionedexamples may be combined to form a control function for controlling theelectric potential between the electrodes.

As has been shown and described through the examples herein, themagnitude of the electric potential may be changed before the end of thebrushing session. The change may be from a lower magnitude to a highermagnitude, from a higher magnitude to a lower magnitude, or anycombination thereof. For example, it may be desirable for the magnitudeof the electric potential to be reduced to zero in a time period that isless than half of the user brushing period so that the taste of the ionin the user's mouth is minimized following the brushing session.Alternatively, it may be desirable for the magnitude of the electricpotential to be at a high point at the end of the brushing session sothat there is a residual amount of the ion left in the user's mouthfollowing the brushing session. In such applications, the ion mayprovide additional oral health benefits following brushing. As stillanother alternative, it may be desirable to have the time period of thegreatest magnitude when there is the most toothpaste in the user'smouth, thereby masking the taste of the ion at its greatestconcentration, and then reducing the magnitude at other time periodsduring the brushing session. The type of change in the magnitude of theelectric potential and the manner in which the magnitude of the electricpotential is changed is not to be limiting of the invention unlessotherwise expressly stated in the claims.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operational process 550 that may beimplemented with the control circuit 216. In the first step 552, thecontrol circuit commences operation, and in the second step 554, thecontroller transitions from the OFF state to the ON state so that anelectrical potential is generated between the electrodes, and thesacrificial electrode releases ions. In the third step 556, themagnitude of the electric potential is changed before the end of thebrushing session. In certain embodiments, the magnitude of the electricpotential is changed during a time period which is no greater than theuser brushing period. In certain embodiments, the magnitude of theelectric potential is changed during a time period which is less thanhalf of the user brushing period. In this third step 556, the electricpotential may be changed according to a control function, such as aredescribed above. In the last step 558, the control circuit endsoperation when the controller transitions from the ON state to the OFFstate.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventionshould be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

1. An oral care device comprising: a body comprising a head; a pluralityof teeth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first electrode onthe head; a second electrode on the head and spaced apart from the firstelectrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is asacrificial electrode; a power source; and a controller configured tooperably couple the power source to the first and second electrodes tocreate an electric potential between the first and second electrodes sothat ions are released from the sacrificial electrode during a brushingsession; wherein the controller is configured to change a magnitude ofthe electric potential before the brushing session ends.
 2. The oralcare device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to changethe magnitude linearly during at least one part of the brushing session.3. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configuredto change the magnitude in accordance with a polynomial function duringat least one part of the brushing session.
 4. The oral care device ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to change the magnitude ina plurality of discrete steps during at least one part of the brushingsession.
 5. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to change the magnitude to zero within a time period which isup to a user brushing period.
 6. The oral care device of claim 5,wherein the time period is less than half of the user brushing period.7. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein both the first and secondelectrodes are sacrificial electrodes.
 8. The oral care device of claim7, wherein the controller is configured to alternate the electricpotential between a positive polarity and a negative polarity during thebrushing session.
 9. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises zinc. 10.An oral care process comprising: generating an electric potentialbetween a first electrode and a second electrode on a head of an oralcare device and positioned spaced apart from each other, wherein atleast one of the first and second electrodes is a sacrificial electrode,the electric potential resulting in ions being released from thesacrificial electrode during a brushing session; and changing amagnitude of the electric potential before the brushing session ends.11. The oral care process of claim 11, wherein the magnitude is changedlinearly.
 12. The oral care process of claim 11, wherein the magnitudeis changed in accordance with a polynomial function.
 13. The oral careprocess of claim 11, wherein the magnitude is changed in a plurality ofdiscrete steps.
 14. The oral care process of claim 11, wherein themagnitude is changed to zero within a time period which is up to a userbrushing period.
 15. The oral care process of claim 15, wherein the timeperiod is less than half of the user brushing period.
 16. The oral careprocess of claim 11, wherein both the first and second electrodes aresacrificial electrodes.
 17. The oral care process of claim 16, furthercomprising alternating the electric potential between a positivepolarity and a negative polarity during the brushing session.
 18. Theoral care process of claim 11, wherein at least one of the firstsacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode compriseszinc.